Boat construction and method

ABSTRACT

A boat construction and method for transporting passengers and cargo particularly over rough water, the boat construction comprising a plurality of elongated tubular pneumatically filled floats joined in a flexible manner. Each float has a plurality of compartmented segments with the extreme forward and rear segments projecting away from the water. A cargo carrier is lashed to the connected floats and the device is propelled by an outboard motor that has been mounted to a transom lashed between the assembled floats. The method includes lashing flat platforms to be used as cargo carriers to floats which have also been lashed together. Vacant spaces are provided between selected ones of the floats providing a recessed area for receiving cargo. Assembling the floats and cargo carrier according to this invention accommodates significant bending movements of the boat construction over obstacles encountered in the water.

D United States Patent [1 1 Currey BOAT CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD [76]Inventor: Jack L. Currey, 1580-A Millcrcek Way, Salt Lake City, Utah84106 [22] Filed: Apr. 10, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 242,559

[52] U.S. Cl. 114/61, 9/2 A [51] Int. Cl 1363b 1/10 [58] Field of Search114/61, 66.5 F, 0.5 F;

115/22, 26; 9/2 A, 2 S, 2 R, 11 A, 11 R, 13,-

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,548,773 12/1970 Laughlin114/61 3,605,148 9/1971 Tailer 9/2 A 2,413,985 1/1947 Manson et al. 9/2A 2,495,190 1/1950 Stewart 9/2 C 3,307,513 3/1967 Engleman 114/74 R3,608,112 9/1971 Irgens 9/2 A 3,473,502 10/1969 Wittkamp PrimaryExaminer-George E. A. Halvosa Assistant ExaminerSherman D. BasingerAtt0rney--H. Ross Workman [57] ABSTRACT A boat construction and methodfor transporting passengers and cargo particularly over rough water, theboat construction comprising a plurality of elongated tubularpneumatically filled floats joined in a flexible I manner. Each floathas a plurality of compartmented segments with the extreme forward andrear segments projecting away from the water. A cargo carrier is lashedto the connected floats and the device is propelled by an outboard motorthat has been mounted to a transom lashed between the assembled floats.The method includes lashing flat platforms to be used as cargo carriersto floats which have also been lashed together. Vacant spaces areprovided between selected ones of the floats providing a recessed areafor receiving cargo. Assembling the floats and cargo carrier accordingto this invention accommodates significant bending movements of the boatconstruction over obstacles encountered in the water.

8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures BOAT CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD BACKGROUND 1.Field of the Invention Reference is now made to the illustrated embodi-The present invention relates to a boat construction mems of theinventor comprising like Parts and more particularly to a boat having aplurality of floats flexibly lashed together for transporting a largecapacity of passengers and cargo over rough water.

2. The Prior Art Traditionally, river running boats have been small,streamlined oneor two-manned craft such as the canoe or kayak. Thoughhighly maneuverable, these small craft are easily overturned and areseverely limited with respect to the number of passengers and amount ofcargo that can be transported.

As river running has developed in popularity throughout the world,different kinds of river running craft have been used to transportlarger numbers of people and a greater amount of cargo. For example, theconventional life raft construction using an essentially ellipticallyshaped inflated tube and a rubber bottom has been used to increase thepassenger capacity. However, it has been found that these craft are notonly difficult to maneuver but are easily overturned in treacherouswater. In addition, as the life raft-type boat traverses rocks and otherobstacles in the water, passengers can be injured when the boat isbrought down hard upon the rock or other obstacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention asindicated by the described preferred embodiments provides for a stable,compartmentalized boat construction that transports large numbers ofpassengers and amounts of cargo on any kind of water without overturningor being punctured. The passengers are suspended a safe distance overrocks or other obstacles in rough water and are cushioned from impact onobstacles so that even in danger- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.1 is a perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the floats of constructionshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 1.

having like numerals throughout.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a pluralityof floats flexibly joined together as will be subsequently more fullydescribed. Referring particularly to FIG. 1, a boat generally designated36 is formed of a plurality of floats 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28, each beinggenerally tubular in configuration and constructed of neoprene-coatednylon or other suitable material. Each float is made of a series ofpneumatically filled compartmented sections. In FIG. 3, the end 21 ofone of the compartments of float 20 is shown. Each float 20, 22, 24, 26and 28 has an elongated body 30, a conically configured bow 32projecting away from the water at the leading end of body 30. Withexception of float 24, each float also has conically configured stern 34projecting away from the water at the other end of body 30. Float 24 hasa hemispherically configurated end 25 (see FIG. 4) which terminates body30 of float 24.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, it is observed that thehemispherically configurated end 25 of float 24 is situated against aportion of the carrier platform generally designated 44 which will bemore fully described hereinafter. Another float 29 is situated in axialalignment with the float 24 so as to form a partial support for cargocarrier 38. The float 29 terminates and abuts against the motor box 88.

In assembling boat 36, floats 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 29 are respectivelyplaced side-by-side. Bow 32 of each respective float is aligned and thefloats are then lashed together.

To facilitate lashing, each float 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 29 has aflexible elongated flap 50 (see FIG. 3) bonded to opposing sides of thefloats. Apertures 52 are longitudinally spaced along each flap 52 so asto receive a rope 54, preferably formed of nylon. Each float 20, 22, 24,26 and 28 also has a flexible flap 46 at the bow and stem (see FIG. 2).Flaps 46 have apertures 48 adapted to receive lashing rope 54 as shownin FIG. 2. The rope 54 is laced through corresponding apertures 48 or 52in the flaps so as to secure the floats together but simultaneouslyallow the joints to give or yield somewhat under stress. Although theflaps 50 are illustrated as abutting end to end, it is also presentlypreferred that the flaps overlap one over the other to lend additionalstrength to the joints.

The body of each of the respective floats may vary in length so thatwhen the floats are assembled, as shown in FIG. 1, the stern portion 34of the floats may not fall into alignment. For example, as shown in FIG.1, floats 20 and 28 terminate noticeably short of floats 22 and 26.Also, as previously described, floats 24 and 29 (see FIG. 4) do not havean upwardly directed stern portion 34 so as to facilitate the attachmentof cargo carriers 38 and 44. It should also be emphasized that while thebow portion 32 is illustrated as comprising aligned upwardly directedconical members, any suitable stag gered relationship could be used.Also, if desired, the actual number of floats may be increased ordecreased as desired.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a plurality of D rings 56 are bonded to theside of body 30 of outside floats 20 and 28. The D rings 56 havecorresponding D rings 58 mounted upon cargo carrier 44 and D rings 60 incargo frame 38 as will be subsequently described. Likewise, a similar Dring 56 is bonded to the floats 22 and 26 so as to correspond to D rings62 mounted upon motor box 40.

A cargo frame rectangular in configuration and generally designated 44is made primarily of metal, wood or other suitable material. Frame 44has a generally horizontal platform 64 which longitudinally extendsacross floats 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28. A downwardly projecting box 42 (seealso FIG. 4) is set in the middle of platform 64. When cargo frame 44 isplaced on boat 36, box 42 fits between float 24 and float 29.Preferably, the bottom of box 42 terminates substantially short of thelower extreme of floats 24 and 29 so that obstacles in the water willnot easily come in contact with box 42. When box 42 is loaded with cargo(not shown) the center of gravity of the boat 36 is lowered therebylending stability to the boat.

A barrier 66 is placed peripherally about platform 64 which helps toprevent cargo boxes from sliding off the cargo frame 44. Also, ifdesired, platform 64 may be divided into compartments such as 68 and 70to restrain movement of cargo boxes in rough water. Platform 64 extendstransversely beyond barrier 66 to the front and rear of cargo frame 44forming a shelf 72 and 74, respectively. The D rings 48 are securelymounted upon the shelves 72 and 74 at the corners thereof. An additionalD ring may be securely fastened to barrier 66 intermediate its length oneach side of cargo frame 44, if desired. Straps 76 secure D rings 58 andcorresponding D rings 56 so that the cargo carrier is securely attachedto the upper surface of the assembly of floats.

Another cargo frame generally designated 38 is secured to the assembledfloats. Frame 38 has a platform 78 that longitudinally extends acrossfloats 20, 22, 26 and 29. Platform 78 has outwardly extending portionswhich rest upon body 30 of floats and 28 and a central portion whichrests upon float 29 and parts of floats 22 and 26. A barrier 80 isplaced peripherally about platform78 serving the same function asbarrier 66 of cargo frame 44. Flat frame 38 may also be compartmentedsimilarly to that of cargo frame 44. D rings 60 are mounted at thecorners of shelf 82 formed from an extension of platform 78. Flat frame38 is secured to the floats by straps 84 that join D rings 84 and Drings 56.

A motor box generally designated 40 is secured to the rear of boat 36.Motor box 40 has opposed platforms 86 that rest upon body 30 of floats22 and 26 adjacent stern 34. A peripheral shelf surrounds three sides ofthe platform 86. Shelf 92 rests upon body 30 of floats 22 and 26 andprovides an attachment site for D rings 62.

A navigating compartment or recess 88 is situated between the platforms86. Referring particularly to FIG. 4, compartment 88 has a bottom 94, afront 95, sides 96 and a transom 98. Transom 98 slants outwardly at anangle from bottom 94. It has been found preferable to slant the transomabout 12 from the vertical to give a slight lift to the navigatingcompartment 88 when a marine outboard motor is attached to the transom.A reinforcing bracket 100 may be secured to transom 98 and an inlaid Lbracket 102 made of iron or other suitable material is attached toprotect top edge 104 and side edge 106 of transom 98 when additionalstrength is required.

In assembling the illustrated embodiment ofthe boat, each of the floatsis inflated so that every compartment contains air but the floats arenot filled so full that they are not somewhat flexible. Air pressure inthe neighborhood of l to 10 pounds has been found adequate.

Each of the floats is situated side-by-side in a preferred lateralrelationship. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the bow tips ofeach float are situated in alignment with respect to the next.Thereafter, rope is laced through apertures in the outwardly projectingflaps as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 so that the floats are secured together.It is observed that even though each float is secured to the next, theflexibility of the lashing rope allows some independent movement of eachfloat with respect to the next.

When all floats have been lashed together suitably, the cargo frame,flat frame and motor box are strapped on top of the floats. It should beobserved that the floats provide an air cushion between the cargo androcks or other obstacles over which the boat may pass. The same aircushion protects passengers, whether riding on the cargo frames or infront of the cargo frames directly upon the floats. When the cargoframes have been secured, the boat is ready for launching. Either beforeor after launching, cargo boxes may be situated in appropriate ones ofthe compartments such as 68 or 70. Preferably, the cargo boxes arelashed or otherwise suitably secured directly to the cargo frames.

It is also presently preferred that a marine outboard motor be attachedto the transom 98. Through experimentation it was discovered that theboat, when fully loaded, tended to cause the foot ofthe stern drivehousing forming part of the outboard motor (not shown) to become lodgedin the river bottom or hung up on obstructions in the water.Accordingly, it was found that by moving the transom to an approximate12 incline, the flexibility of floats 22 and 26 would allow the entiremotor box 40 to be lifted slightly due to the thrust of the outboardmotor. Thus, drag at the stern of the craft was substantially reduced.In addition, the amount of water entering the navigational compartment88 was noticeably reduced.

In operation, the fully loaded boat travels easily over even very roughwater without overturning. The flexibility of the floats and theflexible lashing joints between floats allow the boat construction togenerally follow the contour of rough water and to walk over treacherousrapids without spilling cargo and passengers. In addition, when the boatis brought down hard upon obstacles in the water, the floats provide anair cushion between passengers and cargo to prevent injury.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodimentsare to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and notrestrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated bythe appended claims rather than by the foregoing deseription. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:

1. A boat construction comprising:

a plurality of elongated pneumatically buoyant 'means for supportingweight upon water, the buoyant means being formed of flexible materialand comprising spaced upturned bows which permit water to penetratetherebetween, corresponding elongated cylindrical body portions andstern portions;

means for flexibly joining each elongated buoyant means directly to thenext so that limited movement of one buoyant means relative to the nextis possible;

a cargo carrier and means for connecting the cargo carrier to the joinedbuoyant means, the cargo carrier being spaced rearward of the bows so asto accommodate bending of the body portion of the buoyant means about anaxis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the body portion; and

angularly oriented transom means for carrying a motor for propelling theassembly of joined buoyant means through water.

2. In a boat construction as defined in claim 1 wherein each saidbuoyant means comprises a pneumatically filled elongated float having aplurality of independent chambers so that rupture of one chamber willnot deflate all chambers.

3. In a boat construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said joiningmeans comprises a flexible radially projecting tab extending at least aportion of the length of the buoyant means, said tab having a pluralityof spaced apertures therein and means for lacing together opposed tabsof adjacent buoyant means so that limited relative movement of adjacentbuoyant means is possible.

4. In a boat construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said transommeans comprises a navigational box mounted at the stern of the boatconstruction, the navigational box having one side comprising a transomwhich forms an angle with respect to the vertical so that a stern drivemotor attached to the transom will exert a lifting force upon the sternof the boat construction.

5. In a boat construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said cargocarrier comprises at least one flat platform having a vertical barrierthereon dividing the platform into compartments for limiting movement ofcargo upon the carrier when the boat construction traverses rough water.

6. In a boat construction as defined in claim 5 wherein said flatplatform comprises a downwardly projecting cargo compartment adapted tobe situated between generally axially aligned buoyant means.

7. A boat construction as defined in claim 1 wherein at least some ofsaid buoyant means comprises upwardly directed bow and stern tips forguiding the boat construction over obstacles encountered in the water.

8. A boat construction primarily for transporting cargo and passengerson rivers comprising:

a plurality of side-by-side pneumatically filled buoyant tubes, eachtube having a plurality of air chambers, each independent from the nextand at least some of said tubes having upwardly directed bow and sternportions forming ramp-surfaces at the bow and stern of the boatconstruction;

outwardly projecting flaps bonded to each of the pneumatically filledtubes and extending essentially the entire length of the tubes, eachflap having a plurality of spaced apertures therein and an elongatedcord laced through the apertures of opposed flaps on adjacent tubes toflexibly join the adjacent tubes together;

a cargo carrier supported upon the top of the pneumatic tubes andextending from side to side across essentially the entire width of theassembled tubes, the cargo carrier comprising a centrally located recessed compartment and a plurality of vertically oriented barriers forlimiting movement of cargo upon the carrier and means for securing thecargo carrier upon the pneumatic tubes;

a rigid motor box and transom secured adjacent the stern of the boatconstruction and comprising a centrally recessed compartment, one sideof which forms a transom which is directed outwardly from the bottom ofthe compartment to the top so that when a stern drive motor is attachedto the transom, a lifting force will be exerted upon the motor box whenthe motor operates.

=l l l

1. A boat construction comprising: a plurality of elongatedpneumatically buoyant means for supporting weight upon water, thebuoyant means being formed of flexible material and comprising spacedupturned bows which permit water to penetrate therebetween,corresponding elongated cylindrical body portions and stern portions;means for flexibly joining each elongated buoyant means directly to thenext so that limited movement of one buoyant means relative to the nextis possible; a cargo carrier and means for connecting the cargo carrierto the joined buoyant means, the cargo carrier being spaced rearward ofthe bows so as to accommodate bending of the body portion of the buoyantmeans about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bodyportion; and angularly oriented transom means for carrying a motor forpropelling the assembly of joined buoyant means through water.
 2. In aboat construction as defined in claim 1 wherein each said buoyant meanscomprises a pneumatically filled elongated float having a plurality ofindependent chambers so that rupture of one chamber will not deflate allchambers.
 3. In a boat construction as defined in claim 1 wherein saidjoining means comprises a flexible radially projecting tab extending atleast a portion of the length of the buoyant means, said tab having aplurality of spaced apertures therein and means for lacinG togetheropposed tabs of adjacent buoyant means so that limited relative movementof adjacent buoyant means is possible.
 4. In a boat construction asdefined in claim 1 wherein said transom means comprises a navigationalbox mounted at the stern of the boat construction, the navigational boxhaving one side comprising a transom which forms an angle with respectto the vertical so that a stern drive motor attached to the transom willexert a lifting force upon the stern of the boat construction.
 5. In aboat construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said cargo carriercomprises at least one flat platform having a vertical barrier thereondividing the platform into compartments for limiting movement of cargoupon the carrier when the boat construction traverses rough water.
 6. Ina boat construction as defined in claim 5 wherein said flat platformcomprises a downwardly projecting cargo compartment adapted to besituated between generally axially aligned buoyant means.
 7. A boatconstruction as defined in claim 1 wherein at least some of said buoyantmeans comprises upwardly directed bow and stern tips for guiding theboat construction over obstacles encountered in the water.
 8. A boatconstruction primarily for transporting cargo and passengers on riverscomprising: a plurality of side-by-side pneumatically filled buoyanttubes, each tube having a plurality of air chambers, each independentfrom the next and at least some of said tubes having upwardly directedbow and stern portions forming ramp-surfaces at the bow and stern of theboat construction; outwardly projecting flaps bonded to each of thepneumatically filled tubes and extending essentially the entire lengthof the tubes, each flap having a plurality of spaced apertures thereinand an elongated cord laced through the apertures of opposed flaps onadjacent tubes to flexibly join the adjacent tubes together; a cargocarrier supported upon the top of the pneumatic tubes and extending fromside to side across essentially the entire width of the assembled tubes,the cargo carrier comprising a centrally located recessed compartmentand a plurality of vertically oriented barriers for limiting movement ofcargo upon the carrier and means for securing the cargo carrier upon thepneumatic tubes; a rigid motor box and transom secured adjacent thestern of the boat construction and comprising a centrally recessedcompartment, one side of which forms a transom which is directedoutwardly from the bottom of the compartment to the top so that when astern drive motor is attached to the transom, a lifting force will beexerted upon the motor box when the motor operates.